At today's meeting of Council, Robert J Swayze, Barrister and Solicitor was appointed Integrity Commissioner for the City of Mississauga for a five year period effective July 1, 2012.

"Mr. Swayze possesses significant experience in the practice of municipal law, both in private practice and as previous City Solicitor in two municipalities," said City Solicitor Mary Ellen Bench. "He currently serves as Integrity Commissioner to a number of municipalities including Oakville, Guelph, Brantford, Port Hope and Carleton Place. He is certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a specialist in municipal law. Staff will work with Mr. Swayze over the summer and report back to Council in the fall concerning recommendations to amend the Code of Conduct for Mayor and Members of Council."

On April 13, 2012, the City of Mississauga issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) for an Integrity Commissioner. The RFP closed on May 8 and the City's Governance Committee considered applicants at its May 14 meeting. City Council considered the recommendation of the Governance Committee and instructed staff to negotiate the final terms of a professional services agreement with Mr. Swayze.

The City's Governance Committee has set the mandate of the Integrity Commissioner as an advisor to all members of Council on matters relating to ethics and the Council Code of Conduct, an educational resource to members of Council in this respect, and to independently receive and investigate complaints respecting a possible breach of the Council Code of Conduct by a Member of Council.

Background:

Approved Code of Conduct

The City of Mississauga's Code of Conduct for Mayor and Members of Council, has been in effect since December 1, 2010. The code was developed by a committee of Council with staff support from the City Manager and CAO, City Solicitor and City Clerk and is posted on the City's website at www.mississauga.ca.

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 738,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 63 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is "Leading Today for Tomorrow" by focussing on delivering services, implementing its Strategic Plan, delivering value for money and maintaining infrastructure.

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